September 11, 2008

Nobody would disagree with us that a large percentage of non-Muslims lack some basic concepts of Islam. I believe the Ramadan NY Subway ads are the perfect tool for educating people about such basic concepts. In the world where 1 in every 5 people is a Muslim, it’s a necessity (no longer a choice) for people to read about Islam objectively. By objectively, I mean: read about Islam from Muslim books, read the translation of the Quran and the traditions of the prophet, talk to Muslims and stop adopting one-sided views (you already know the media view of Muslims). Would you feel fully aware of any topic if you only heard one side?

From this blog, I would like to put in my two cents of participation and encouragement of this campaign. Before we get to that, a question came to mind: why the resistance and the stir over those ads?

The ads are simple and plain. They are not intolerant or offensive. They carry keywords and a way to find out the meaning of such keywords. Keywords included: “Prophet Muhammed”, “Hijab”, etc. We are in the age of logic, argument and freedom. And the way to find out the meaning by calling: 1-877-WHY-ISLAM.

I do condemn all acts of injustice to people and so does Islam. I do condemn the act of 9/11 and I do condemn the Israeli siege on Gazza and I do condemn the people dying in Georgia and Pakistan and Afghanistan. However, this is an opportunity to educate people when the stereotype level is high.

To be objective, we have to hear both parties. You already know what the press says about Islam; let’s find out what Islam really says…